BUILDING SANDCASTLES:
The Evolving Concept of a Career, ADHD & the Entrepreneurial Edge.
Hey ADHDers,
The days of linear, ladder-like career paths, in which one would join a company at an entry-level position and steadily ascend to seniority, are dwindling. The concept of a traditional career has been significantly disrupted over the last five years.
(It might be worth grabbing a cup of tea, it’s going to be a long one!)
The Linear Career Path Is Shattering.
In a world where the only constant is change, we're witnessing a seismic shift in the meaning of "career." This has led to significant differences in how people perceive and engage with their work. These changes have transformed the working landscape into a dynamic and sometimes chaotic space that can be challenging to navigate. (A bit like our laundry routines!)
The concept of a "career" has a very different outlook among much of the younger generation compared to the older one. Traditionally speaking, a career was thought to represent our expertise, our profession, and our identity. It was something that was nurtured and built over time, giving us the opportunity to progress and advance. A career also provided more financial and psychological rewards in past years- meaning that there was still the possibility of a sense of fulfilment in our professional spaces, even if the position was misaligned with our passions.
Don’t get me wrong, this professional path is still very possible. A significant number of young people still climb the professional ladder to achieve success every day. But there is no denying the sweeping change in people’s perceptions of a career and its stability in recent years. It seems as though many Millennial and Gen-Z graduates have been experiencing an entirely different entity compared to the Boomer generation.
So what has actually changed to cause this much impact—and in such a short space of time?
The Three Disrupted Elements: Expertise, Duration and Rewards.
I have done a little digging and have found that the changing world of work has disrupted these three elements—expertise, duration, and rewards. Here are a few key changes that have been observed:
1. Expertise is becoming short-lived: In the past, only certain types of jobs required constant training and upskilling. However, today, all jobs are expected to continuously learn new skills, new tools, and new systems due to technological advancements and shifts in market demand. This constant pressure to stay updated can lead to feelings of obsolescence and the need to "keep up." For instance, software engineers may need to learn new programming languages or tools, while administrative assistants may need to adapt to new technological tools or systems. This continuous learning and adaptation to stay relevant are often key characteristics of careers in 2023.
2. Careers are becoming less durable: The idea of a single, lifelong career is becoming less common. In the Boomer era, employees would join a company at an entry-level position and climb the corporate ladder over time. This model has changed due to a shift in organizational structures and a faster pace of technology. According to recent statistics, the rapid growth of AI is expected to have a noticeable effect on the job market. Projections for 2025 suggest that AI will eliminate 85 million jobs while simultaneously creating 97 million new ones, leading to a net gain of 12 million jobs. This rapid adoption of AI has led to predictions of job displacement, with up to 375 million jobs globally at risk in the next decade. Companies have become less hierarchical, leading to less upward mobility, and the rapid pace of technology means that jobs and skills can become outdated within a few years. Therefore, employees may need to change their career paths more frequently in today’s society and further into the future.
3. Career rewards are changing: As the nature of work changes, so do the rewards associated with a career. Traditional rewards such as job security and a steady increase in income may not be as prevalent in the modern working world. In fact, career paths have become less predictable, and the concept of job security has shifted, with many companies operating under the assumption that employees will stay only for a few years. The notion of a long-lasting, secure career at a single company has significantly diminished, and the responsibility for career development has increasingly shifted to the individual, not the employer.
The Rising Costs & Declining Rewards.
To add insult to injury, the housing situation in the UK, for instance, presents a significant challenge that boomers did not face. While house prices have soared, wages have not kept pace, making it difficult for millennials to get on the property ladder. With all the challenges of becoming a homeowner, the cost of living in the UK has also steadily risen over the years. This has been particularly challenging for millennials, who have faced these increasing costs throughout their working lives.
Let's examine the numbers…
According to the Office for National Statistics, average UK house prices rose by 4.1% in the 12 months leading up to March 2023, with the average house price being £285,000. This increase is £11,000 higher than the previous year, albeit £8,000 below the peak in November 2022. The South West experienced the highest annual percentage change of 5.4%, while London saw the lowest at 1.5%.
The average house price in the UK in 2023 is now £343,000, a 30% increase over the past five years. The median income for full-time employees in the UK in 2023 is £31,461, which means the average house price is now 11 times the average salary.
As you can see, the "rewards" of traditional careers simply do not match the rising cost of living and housing. For many millennials and Gen Zers, the gap between income, house prices, and the cost of living makes the financial stability and early career achievements of the boomers seem like a distant dream.
However, it's not just about the numbers, it's about the quality of life and deferred dreams - the situation is complex and influenced by a range of factors.
This seems to be why an increasing number of hardworking young people are now asking, "What's the point in all of this?"
The Rise of the Entrepreneur.
As traditional jobs no longer provide the security they once did, entrepreneurship has become increasingly popular as a viable financial option. Many individuals are now choosing ‘the path less travelled’ over traditional employment opportunities to secure their future.
Several factors contribute to this surge in entrepreneurship. The advent of the digital age has made starting a business more accessible than ever before. As previously mentioned, the year 2023 brings huge advancements in technology and remote work options, making entrepreneurship an attractive way forward for both personal and professional growth. With the internet at their fingertips, these young entrepreneurs can tap into global markets, reach a broad customer base, and utilize digital tools to manage and grow their businesses.
In addition, the rise of the gig economy can play a crucial role. Platforms like Uber, Airbnb, and Etsy can democratise entrepreneurship, enabling individuals to create their own jobs and forge their own paths. These platforms serve as a springboard for entrepreneurial activities, inspiring more young people to venture into starting their own businesses.
Moreover, millennials and Gen Z highly value independence and flexibility, traits inherent in the world of entrepreneurship. This contrasts with traditional 9-5 jobs, which often lack the same degree of autonomy and flexibility. The desire to have control over one's career and work-life balance is a powerful driving force behind the entrepreneurial ambitions of these generations. From a financial perspective, entrepreneurial paths have the potential of substantial financial gain.
So, it seems as though this and the upcoming generation is now embracing this entrepreneurial path, driven by the desire for autonomy and the thrill of innovation. The three shifts in expertise, duration, and rewards have indirectly inspired thousands to reevaluate their career choices. Many are choosing to follow their passions, seeking personal fulfilment over being a cog in a corporate wheel…
Though entrepreneurship isn't for everyone - it's an adrenaline-fuelled rollercoaster that requires creativity, perseverance, and risk-taking (Any of this sounding familiar?) the life of an entrepreneur offers the potential for higher earnings and control over your career, not to mention the thrill of building your own 'sandcastle’.
ADHD & The Entrepreneurial Edge.
ADHD is a topic that has been under discussion for many years, often with a focus on its challenges which will unfortunately always be present within our lives many twists and turns.
However, recent studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that ADHD traits can be strategic advantages in entrepreneurship. Traits like risk-taking, tenacity, hyper-focus, and ingenuity, are also associated with many successful entrepreneurs. Impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and curiosity, (traits that are often viewed negatively in traditional work environments) may in fact be beneficial in entrepreneurial settings, leading to innovative ideas and trailblazing businesses. Notably, hyperactivity, has been closely tied to entrepreneurship in several studies. Entrepreneurs with ADHD have reflected on how these traits offer them a strategic advantage in business, fuelling their success through risk-taking and persistence, and fostering comfort in chaotic situations.
It is important that I include a little disclaimer here: These traits can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. Not all entrepreneurs with ADHD build strong, healthy businesses.
But we do see evidence that suggests that our traits, that have been considered a disadvantage in traditional career settings, can be harnessed. And when harnessed successfully can significantly influence the trajectory of entrepreneurial ventures.
Alan Brown, founder of ADD Crusher and ADD CrusherTV, attributes his success in launching a startup to his risk-taking ability, a trait often associated with ADHD. His story highlights the benefits of trusting one's instincts and taking calculated risks even in uncertain situations.
“We had no money, no real product, just an idea that didn’t work at first, but we pivoted to a better idea,” Alan says. “It’s all about taking risks. You don’t take stupid risks, but you do things that maybe someone else wouldn’t be willing to try.”
Another successful entrepreneur with ADHD, David Flink, leveraged his unique learning style and impulsivity to create Eye-to-Eye, a national non-profit organisation that supports students with learning disabilities. This example demonstrates how the courage to try something new, often associated with ADHD, can lead to impactful and successful ventures.
“People who learn differently tend to have higher levels of creativity, so I walked down to the local elementary school and offered to mentor some of their kids,” Flink says. “I thought ‘Hey, let’s give it a shot!”
We ADHDers often have a flow of ideas and energy that can be distinct advantages in the business world, particularly for entrepreneurs who thrive on being innovative and creative. When these characteristics are properly harnessed, they can be enormous assets in the business world, allowing for the ability to adapt and recognise opportunities that others might not see.
Having a personal mission and being a visionary are other traits beneficial for entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs with ADHD are bursting ideas, and being able to select the best ones to pursue can contribute to our success. We can also be adept at risk profiling and taking action, which is critical for entrepreneurship. Moreover, learning to delegate and evolve as a leader are practices that can help us ADHDers thrive in entrepreneurial roles. Surrounding oneself with people who have different skills can complement the strengths associated with ADHD, fostering stronger teams and better preparedness for uncertainties.
The Takeaways.
We can observe that the concept of a career has undergone significant transformation, moving away from a linear, traditional trajectory towards a more unpredictable one. Expertise now demands continuous learning and adaptation due to technological advancements. Careers are less stable, and job security is less prevalent due to rapid technological changes and organizational restructuring. Furthermore, the rewards of traditional careers have become less predictable and often fail to keep pace with rising living costs, especially in areas like housing.
Not the most encouraging read..
But in light of these changes, many young individuals are turning towards entrepreneurship, drawn by its potential for independence, flexibility, and financial gain. Personally, I find this shift inspiring. It testifies to the resilience and adaptability of the newer generations in the face of change. I find this entrepreneurial career choice exceptionally inspiring for us individuals with ADHD. The fact that our traits align in an almost instinctual way to a path that is often considered to be incredibly challenging for most neurotypicals - fills me with confidence for us.
However, it's crucial to remember that success lies in choosing a path that aligns with your unique skills, passions, and circumstances. In an ever-evolving world, the ability to adapt and forge one's own path is becoming increasingly valuable.
It's also important to remember that comparing the pace of your own career progress with previous generations is unproductive—I find myself falling into this trap all the time. But, by stepping back and recognizing that the world of work has dramatically changed since the boomers began their career journeys, it becomes evident that this new world presents complex and challenging situations that previous generations never had to face.
So, whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or building your own sandcastle, remember that your journey is uniquely yours, something to be celebrated and you are doing great.
Keep following your feet, and see you next Monday.
Best, Hyperfix Digitals
P.S I’d love to know your thoughts on my newsletter, and whether you would like me to write about anything in particular in the comments below. Your feedback will enable me to create content that is truly helpful to you - and to our ADHD community 🤎
My Weekly Round Up:
Psst… Want to See More of These Recommendations?
Click Here to see all curated lists of my favourite ADHD Solopreneureship Products, including Office Must-Haves, ADHD Wellness and Comfort & Dopamine - along with my personal favourites of any kind!
🗣️ Quote of the week:
Chris Gardner - "Find something that you love. Something that gets you so excited you can't wait to get out of bed in the morning." Gardner, once homeless, became a millionaire stockbroker and his life was the inspiration for the film "The Pursuit of Happyness".
📚 Book of the week:
"The 4-Hour Work Week" by Tim Ferriss is not just another business book; it's more like a roadmap for completely redesigning how you approach work and life. he advocates for what he calls a "lifestyle design," aiming for the freedom to live anywhere, work less, and yet, accomplish more.
💻 Online tool of the week:
I came across this tool a couple of years ago called Placeit EmpowerKit, which I feel is a complete game-changer for creative entrepreneurs. With Placeit EmpowerKit, you can effortlessly create stunning designs, videos, logos, and more, all in one convenient place.
❤️🩹 Stresses & lesson learned this week:
As someone with ADHD, staying focused and organized can be a real challenge. The stressor that hit me hard was juggling multiple deadlines and struggling to stay on top of everything. But you know what? I learned something valuable from it. I’ve learned that the importance of setting clear priorities and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks is genuinely helpful and not a load of rubbish.
🌀 ADHD product of the week:
I wanted to share something I came across on TikTok that I think is pretty cool. It's the BOTTLE BOTTLE 40oz Water Bottle. It caught my attention because it's designed with features that can be really helpful for those of us with ADHD. With its stainless steel construction, insulation to keep drinks hot or cold, a built-in straw, and a convenient pills holder, it seems like a practical solution for keeping up with your meds on the go. Just thought you might find it interesting too!
🛋️ Home Office improvement of the week:
This weeks home office improvement is the iBeani iPad and Tablet Stand. It's actually a beanbag-style stand, which might sound a little strange, but trust me, it's surprisingly great!. The beanbag design makes it super versatile and comfortable, allowing you to prop up your iPad or tablet at just the right angle without any strain.
✨ Dopamine Finder of the week:
Now this one really deserves chefs kisses… It's one of those simple yet satisfying sensory toys that mimic the sound of crunching snow. Just imagine squeezing and squishing this snowball-shaped toy in your hands, and hearing that delightful crunchy sound!
🏆 Goal for next week:
By creating a clear roadmap for my tasks and allocating dedicated time for breaks and self-care, I aim to boost my productivity while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Here's to a week of increased efficiency and greater peace of mind!
🗒️ Just a little note to say that some of the links in this article are affiliate links that can help me out with continuing our journey of entrepreneurship & career freedom.
🤎 Even still, I would never share anything with you that I didn’t believe in or that I hadn’t used myself - I hope thats okay!